Transgenders want all their rights secured

The Supreme Court of India on April 15 declared that transgenders should be treated as a third category. Though the transgender community is happy with the verdict, they want Section 377 of the IPC to be removed as well, so they can enjoy all their rights.

Celebrating their rights: Members of the transgender section rejoice as the SC recognised them as the third category on April 15 Pic/PTI

Justice KS Radhakrishnan, one of the two head judges on the Supreme Court bench, told that the court had pointed “recognition of transgender as a third gender is not a social or medical issue but a human rights issue.” On this ,Bindumadhav Khire, president of Samapathik Trust that works for transgenders in the city said, “We are happy that the judgment is passed but we want the government and the court to understand that we also need Section 377 of Indian Penal Code (IPC) to be revoked, as only then we will get our right to marry and have sex as per our liking.”

Zameer Kamble, a transgender, said “I am very happy that the Supreme Court has finally accepted sexual minorities. However, I am hoping that we move forward and open up for the spectrum of sexual identities. The defining line between gay and transgender is very vague.

There are many gays who have transgender mannerisms. Besides it is about personal choices. I may call myself a woman and gay too. Hijras and transgenders also indulge in sex with the same gender. So I feel that the SC is contradicting itself. This should be resolved and the rights should be extended to the entire LGBT community.”

Khire added, “I feel that personal laws for attaining property rights should also be changed now according to the new verdict and transgenders should be made a part of it. We will keep following this judgment closely and see to it that it is not only restricted to papers but is also implemented as soon as possible.”